NFTA Planning Big Improvements For a Busy Route

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BUFFALO, NY - The NFTA plans to use $4.5 million to target the busiest bus route. The Route 5 Niagara bus runs from the Riverside-Blackrock section to downtown Buffalo.

Among the improvements, new bus shelters with electronic signs and possibly heaters inside. The signs will be helpful for passengers. "If you're standing there, you'll be able to tell how far that bus is in minutes away from that location," said Doug Hartmayer, NFTA spokesman.

When 2 On Your Side's Claudine Ewing inquired about shelters where passengers are shielded from the weather and exit from the back, Hartmayer said it is "something we will consider." He says the way shelters are designed in the Buffalo area are easy access for passengers to get on public transportation.

The money will also be use for purchase five new compressed natural gas busses.

A new transportation center to accommodate riders on the busiest route will be constructed.

A highlight of the new plan will be traffic signal synchronization. "When that bus is pulling up to that signal, and it is timed to turn red, it will hold it on green so that bus can travel through it. Time is important to people," said Hartmayer.

The public will have an opportunity to comment on the project. The plan is to have the Niagara Street Corridor project ready by 2015.